Portland Asking Too Much for Randolph?

by user Jpit

http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

Hoopshype has a link (to a bullet point citing an anonymous source) saying the Blazers are asking too much for Zach Randolph. This is good. The Blazers don't need to give Zach away. They can sit tight while the fate of Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal and Pau Gasol is decided. After teams like Chicago or Detroit realize they can't land one of those guys, Zach will become their best option.

I think a trade with Chicago involving Nocioni, a contract, and the #9 pick for Z-Bo would make sense for both teams. Nocioni is stuck behind Luol Deng in Chicago, and the Bulls aren't going to find the low-post scorer they need at #9. For Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge is ready to step in at the 4, Nocioni would be an upgrade from Ime Udoka at the 3, and they'd be free to take the best player available at #9.

If Chicago needs a little extra to make this deal, Portland should be willing to throw in a couple of 2nd rounders, or even Martell Webster, if they want him.

This trade is a bit complicated due to Nocioni's free agent status. He'd have to come over as a sign-and-trade, and this can't happen until July 1. But as long as Chicago doesn't draft a complete stiff (Spencer Hawes) I think there's some hope for this deal.

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StumptownJV Squad

896 days ago

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I'm with you on being patient with Zach. I'm even fine if he ends up back on the team next year. At least this year, they will be better with him than without. After that, maybe not. I like the Chicago deal though I would try to get Gordon and Noc and leave the 9 pick out of it. I'd bring both those guys off the bench and play them in crunch time with Aldridge, Roy and Oden. That's a really good squad I would part with Martel, Outlaw, whoever to get that done.

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